Sensing safety devices

ABSTRACT

Safety apparatuses for objects having at least one nut are disclosed. Contemplated apparatuses comprise a base, one or more nut caps, and one or more electronic sensors configured to acquire data related to a corresponding nut, wheel or tire. In some embodiments, a physical nut rotation indicator that can readily be observed by an operator is included, and a retention wall disposed on the base can operate in conjunction with the physical nut rotation indicator to block a rotation of a nut. Apparatuses are preferably configured to remain stable in harsher environments.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 13/649,921 and 13/649,968, each filed on Oct. 11, 2012, andeach of which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalapplication having Ser. No. 61/561,639 filed on Nov. 18, 2011, andAustralian patent application number 2011/235942 filed on Oct. 11, 2011.These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or useof a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary tothe definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that termprovided herein applies and the definition of that term in the referencedoes not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is safety devices, and more specificallysafety devices for use on objects having one or more nuts, bolts orother fasteners.

BACKGROUND

The following background discussion includes information that may beuseful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admissionthat any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant tothe presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Wheeled vehicles (e.g., trucks, cars, etc.) secure wheels to an axle viaa rim held in place by a plurality of nuts. During a normal course oftraveling, the nuts can progressively loosen to the point where thewheel is no longer properly secured typically as a result of heattransfer, often through braking where expansion and contraction of thestud bolts occurs. As the stud bolts lengthen the nut torque pressurebecomes reduced, allowing the nut to loosen and centrifugal force toundo the nut. In some scenarios, the wheel can detach from the vehicleduring travel resulting in a severe safety hazard. There exist numerousdocumented cases of bystanders being severely injured or dying as aresult of detached wheels.

United States Patent Application Pub. No. 2002/0122711 to Porter titled“Wheel nut retainer,” filed on Mar. 2, 2001 attempts to resolve theseissues and describes a retainer for securing a truck wheel nut to a rimclamp of a wheel to prevent the wheel nut from turning relative to therim clamp. Unfortunately, the device of Porter can only be secured to atruck wheel. Moreover, a separate device would need to be attached toeach wheel nut and Porter does not provide an indicator to signalloosening of a wheel nut. A more desirable solution would be a devicethat works on more than one wheel nut and indicates that the nut isloose.

International Application WO 2007/090986 to De Lima titled “Safetyapparatus for vehicle wheel,” filed on Feb. 5, 2007 and United KingdomPatent Application GB 2325504 to Rowledge titled “Device to preventloosening of wheel nuts,” filed on Dec. 29, 1997 attempt to addressthese issues and describe safety apparatuses for vehicles that includeretention walls to prevent the complete loosening of wheel nuts. De Limaprovides an anti-rotation means designed to co-operate with the wheelnuts. Rowledge provides a ring member with a retaining rim.Unfortunately, the devices of De Lima and Rowledge do not include nutcaps to protect the wheel nuts from debris and dust, or internal ribsfor structural support to reduce the flexibility of the devices. Moresignificantly, they do not provide any easily identifiable indicators tosignal the loosening of the wheel nut to the vehicle operator. A moredesirable solution would include such an indicator.

Canada Patent Application CA 2206849 to Keenan titled “Truck wheelretaining device and alarm system,” filed on Jun. 3, 1997 attempts toresolve such issues and discloses a system that provides an alarm towarn the vehicle operator of a loose wheel. While Keenan provideselectronic signals to vehicle operator when a wheel is loose, it doesnot provide such a signal with respect to other types of significantdata, nor an external validation for inspectors walking around the car.

Yet another example is United Kingdom Patent GB 2393487 to Knight titled“Wheel nut indicator and retention device”, filed Aug. 29, 2002. Thedisclosed approach by Knight provides an exposed indictor of a looseningwheel. However, Knight's device apparently lack alert holes, requiringthe tab to protrude past a perimeter of the base, and fails to provideoptimal durability and versatility.

What the above references seemingly fail to provide is a system that canbe easily installed and understood by an average vehicle operator,remain stable and effective in a wide range of harsher environments withrespect to a wide range of factors, and provide external validation forinspectors. Thus, there is still a need for improved nut safety devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich a safety apparatus comprises a base, a nut cap rotatably coupledwith the base, and at least one electronic sensor coupled with the baseand configured to obtain at least one of a nut data and a wheel data.While a device of the inventive subject matter could comprise more thanone electronic sensor, one sensor should be sufficient for manyapplications (where the object to which the device is attached isrotating), since a loosening of one nut is often quickly followed byother nuts of the object loosening. In some aspects, the base comprisesa top surface (i.e., outside or lateral portions when placed on avehicle wheel) and a bottom surface (i.e., inside or medial portionswhen placed on a vehicle wheel), and the nut cap protrudes from theoutside portion of the base.

Additionally or alternatively, a nut rotation indicator could be coupledwith the nut cap and configured to rotate with the nut cap. Theindicator could be positioned under the bottom surface (e.g.,juxtaposing and rotating along the inside surface, etc.) of the base andconfigured to rotate between first and second retention walls of thebase. Where nut data is acquired by the at least one electronic sensor,a contact region (e.g., a contact strip, wires, etc.) could be coupledto the base (e.g., on a retention wall, etc.) such that when theindicator's conductive portions contact the strip, an alert or otherdata is sent to the at least one electronic sensor. The retention wallcould be of sufficient strength to block a rotation of a nut rotationindicator (and corresponding nut when used).

The one or more electronic sensors, when included, could be disposedwithin or on any portion of the safety apparatus (e.g., base, nut cap,indicator, indicator pathway, etc.). For example, a sensor could bedisposed within an indicator pathway or other recessed portion of aninside surface. Preferably, the sensor has a thickness that is less thanor equal to a thickness of a retention wall or other non-recessedportion of the inside surface. This would allow the safety apparatus tosubstantially seal against a nut supporting surface of a device (e.g.,wheel rim, etc.) even where a sensor is placed on the base. Theelectronic sensor could be coupled to any suitable power source,including for example, a photovoltaic cell, a button cell, or anysuitable battery or other power unit, which could also be coupled withany portion of the safety apparatus (e.g., base, nut cap, indicator,indicator pathway, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, at least one ofan electronic sensor and a power source could be partially or completelyencased in a rubber composite material that protects the components fromthe elements.

It is contemplated that an electronic sensor could comprise any suitabletype of sensor configured to acquire any suitable data related to a nutor object (e.g., wheel, etc.) on which it is placed. For example, one ormore electronic sensors placed on one or more safety apparatuses of avehicle could obtain, among other things, data indicative of a rotationof one or more nuts or other feature; data indicative of a wheelrotation count, wheel rotation speed, wheel temperature, wheelimbalance, a wobble, a wash-boarding (i.e., wear pattern in bands acrossa width of a tire, which achieves an effect for the driver similar todriving on a washboard road); or data indicative of a tire pressure.

Once the sensor data is collected by the one or more electronic sensors,it is contemplated that some or all of the data could be transmitted toa device for instantiation on a display of the device via one or moresensor interfaces. The instantiation can be of the raw sensor data, or asummarized/modified version thereof. Contemplated devices include, amongother things, a mobile device, a cell phone, a computer, a tablet, avehicle display or any other device capable of obtaining sensor data orsummaries thereof. The device could be one carried by an operator of theobject using the safety apparatus, disposed inside a vehicle using thesafety apparatus, or disposed in a control center associated with acompany monitoring a plurality of safety apparatuses on a plurality ofobjects.

In further aspects of the inventive subject matter, contemplated safetyapparatuses could comprise one or more lights (e.g., LED lights,fluorescent lights, etc.) that are configured to provide a visual alertto a driver or other user. The visual alert could be indicative of aloosening of a nut (e.g., where a conductive tip of an indicator comesinto contact with a contact strip, pad or region, etc.), a high wheeltemperature (e.g., over a specified temperature, etc.) or any othercondition related to a nut or corresponding object.

A visual indication via one or more lights could include any suitablevisual indication, including for example, a turning on of one or morelights, a turning off of one or more lights, a change in color, a changein brightness, a change in pattern, or a combination thereof.Additionally or alternatively, the one or more lights could be used todisplay a logo, a trademark, an advertisement, a design, or any otherdesired text or image. It is also contemplated that a non-visualindication could be provided via one or more interfaces, including forexample, an audio indication via a speaker.

Additionally or alternatively, safety apparatuses of the inventivesubject matter could be configured to couple to any suitable objecthaving a nut and bolt, heat or friction, including for example, apipeline, a flange, a vehicle, a truck, a crane, a rail (rolling stockor track), a propeller, a plant, a machine, a scaffolding, a marineengine, a holding bed or plate, a wind turbine, or an oil rig.

The safety devices can advantageously be made of a material that iscorrosion and heat resistant, such as a Nylon-6,6, making the devicesuitable for use on objects under extreme conditions, for example, anunderwater oil platform, an agricultural landscape, a mining field, orother harsh environment.

Contemplated safety apparatuses can additionally or alternatively have aplurality of nut caps having tapered internal splines configured to forma strong interference or vacuum fit around corresponding nuts such thatdust and other contaminants are substantially or completely blocked. Oneor more of the nut caps have a physical nut rotation indicatorconfigured to rotate when a corresponding nut loosens. In some aspectsof the inventive subject matter, devices can comprise a retention wallor rotation stop configured to restrict the rotation of an indicator, anut cap, or a corresponding nut.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of one embodiment of a safety apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a side partial view of a nut cap of the safety apparatus ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a top partial view of another embodiment of a safetyapparatus.

FIG. 2B is a bottom partial view of a nut cap and retention wall of thesafety apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2C is a bottom partial view of a different nut cap of the safetyapparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is yet another embodiment of a safety apparatus having only onenut cap.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a nut cap.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another nut cap.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another nut cap.

FIG. 6 illustrates an LED screen showing real-time digital nut data.

FIG. 7 illustrates an LED screen showing both individual nut data andaggregate nut data.

FIG. 8 is an example of an LED screen showing both digital nut data andan indication of a rotation of a nut.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of two slideably attached bases.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a nut cap comprising a wrench acceptor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should beread to include any suitable combination of computing devices, includingservers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines,controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individuallyor collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise aprocessor configured to execute software instructions stored on atangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., harddrive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The softwareinstructions preferably configure the computing device to provide theroles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below withrespect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments,the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange datausing standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP,HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, knownfinancial transaction protocols, or other electronic informationexchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over apacket-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type ofpacket switched network.

In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, safety devices ofvarious shapes, sizes and configurations are contemplated to fit on anyobject having a nut. A device can comprise a ring-shaped base sized andconfigured to couple with a wheel of a car, truck, tractor, airplane,combine, bicycle, trailer, bus, van, motorcycle, or any other suitableland, water, or air vehicle having a nut. A device can comprise a basesized and configured to couple with one or more nuts or bolts on arotating object other than a wheel, including for example, a windturbine, helicopter, ship, boat, oil platform, pump railway track,rollercoaster, or any other suitable land, water, or air object having anut. A device can also be configured for use on a non-rotating object,including a base of a pole or pillar, a table, or any other non-rotatingobject having a nut.

In some embodiments, a base could comprise a stiff material configuredto extend between two or more nuts coupled to one or more objects. Inother embodiments, a base could comprise two pieces of a stiff materialslideably attached to each other and configured to extend between two ormore nuts separated by various distances. Still further, a base cancomprise a flexible material configured to extend around various shapesto couple two or more nuts.

A safety device in accordance with the inventive subject matter can beespecially useful in industries where vehicles or other objects aresubject to differential thermal contractions or extreme vibrations, suchas the drilling or agricultural industry. For example, combines,tractors, and other farm equipment are often driven over bumpy or unevensurfaces where one tire can be driven over hard wet soil while anothertire is driven over dry tilled soil. Such environmental variations cancause farm equipment to experience large amounts of vibrations, whichcould contribute to the loosening of wheel nuts.

Viewed from another perspective, some contemplated safety apparatuses ofthe inventive subject matter visually indicate nut looseness, andcomprise a base having outside and inside surfaces or portions (oftenreferred to herein as top and bottom portions, respectively), inwardlyopen nut caps rotatably coupled with the base and protruding from theoutside of the base. The apparatuses could also comprise nut rotationindicators coupled with some or all of the nut caps, extending radiallyfrom a nut cap at the inside of the base, and configured to rotate withthe corresponding nut cap. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality ofalert holes in the base could be peripherally surrounded by material ofthe base and positioned proximate to the nut cap, wherein a rotation ofthe nut cap (via a rotation of a corresponding nut) causes a portion ofthe rotation indicator to become exposed through a corresponding alerthole. Additionally or alternatively, a formation (e.g., a retentionwall, etc.) at the inside of the base could block or limit rotation of anut cap and corresponding nut in a nut loosening direction in respectivepositions in which the indicators are retained or prevented from movingfrom behind the base and are yet exposed to view through one or morealert holes. Contemplated formations could comprise a retention wall ora stop at an edge (perimeter) of the base.

Additionally or alternatively, safety apparatuses of the inventivesubject matter could comprise one or more electronic sensors to obtainat least one of nut data and wheel data.

FIGS. 1A-1B show a circular embodiment of a safety device of theinventive subject matter and a close-up portion thereof. Device 100comprises a plurality of nut caps (e.g., 110, 120) rotatably coupledwith a base 101. Nut cap 110 is snap or press fit with base 101, andconfigured to freely rotate therein. Nut cap 110 protrudes from a top(outer) portion of base 101, and comprises a nut rotation indicator 150that can be integral with nut cap 110 and extends from a bottom (inside)portion of base 101. Indicator 150 is configured to rotate with nut cap110 within a range (e.g., 45°, 75°, 90°, 180°, 360°, etc.) such thatindicator 150 can be viewed through alert hole 130 within that range. Asused herein, the term “integral” means comprising the same work piece.For example, where X is integral with Y, X and Y comprise a single workpiece.

Each device 100 can be molded from or otherwise constructed using anysuitable material or materials. Some devices can include a plasticmaterial or a Nylon material. Other contemplated materials include, forexample, a metal, steel, chrome, polypropylene or any other suitablematerial. More preferred embodiments can include a Nylon 6-6 material.Some exemplary devices are Nylon-based and generally comprise asynthetic fiber known as Nylon 6-6, re-enforced with Silica for superiorheat and friction resistance. Example material can include Grilon TSS/4schwarz 9832 offered by EMS-CHEMIE. The melting point is approximately180-260 degrees Celsius, and more specifically, approximately 256degrees Celsius. Contemplated materials can be insoluble in water, andhave a density of 0.9 to 1.1. Nylon 6-6 has a chemical ‘memory’ whichallows it to revert back to its original shape, therefore the devicefits tightly and snugly once pushed over a nut, but it isstraightforward to fit and remove. Its design is such that splines,whether tapered or not, allow a nut to be covered by the nut cap whilstin any position. The use of Nylon 6-6 can have various advantages overother materials such as polypropylene. For example, Nylon 6-6 is anengineering plastic, while polypropylene is a commodity thermoplastic.Nylon 6-6 has physical properties that are considered advantageous overother materials, over polypropylene for example. Example advantageousproperties include for example, a higher melting point, a greaterresistance to corrosion, heat and abrasion, a better texture and feel,or a longer life. Moreover, Nylon 6-6 allows for a strong interferencefit with a nut or nut supporting surface, while polypropylene apparentlydoes not because Nylon 6-6 offers a stronger shape memory. For example,a nut cap comprising Nylon 6-6 will retain its shape through highlyfluctuating temperatures while a polypropylene lacks such a capability.

Contemplated materials can additionally or alternatively be corrosionresistant and thus robust against saltwater, heat, dirt, and otherdamaging elements, making a device suitable for use on underwater oilplatforms, race cars, farm equipment, mining equipment, or any othersuitable object. Corrosion resistant materials can comprise for example,chrome, Nylon, nickel, dezincification resistant brasses, etc., and areresistant to various causes or types of corrosion, including forexample, atmospheric corrosion, seawater corrosion, soil corrosion,galvanic corrosion, rust, oxidation, or chemical breakdown.

In some embodiments, a base material can be compatible with vacuummetallization for an enhanced appearance or corrosion resistance (e.g.,a chrome finish). All known materials suitable for vacuum metallizationare contemplated. For example, the material to be coated can comprise aplastic, metal, ceramic, or a Nylon, and the coating material cancomprise an aluminum, copper, platinum, titanium, chromium, chromiumtitanium, gold, lead, nickel, silver, tin, or other materials.

FIGS. 2, 2B, and 2C show portions of a ring-shaped embodiment of asafety device of the inventive subject matter. Device 200 is a nutmanagement system, primarily for vehicle wheels, which can both visiblyindicate there is a loose nut and lock that nut in place until it can bere-torqued.

Device 200 comprises 10 nut caps (7 shown), indicators, and alert holes.The indicators of device 200 are peripherally surrounded by material ofthe base. Contemplated bases, such as base 201, can comprise a materialof any suitable width (e.g., 202). In some ring shaped embodiments, thebase can have a width of 1, 2, 3, or even 8 or more inches wide.Contemplated devices can comprise any suitable number of alert holes,nut caps, indicators, and other components, including 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, oreven 16 or more of any component or components.

Nut cap 210 freely rotates inside a base or fixing plate. If a nut (notshown) rotates, its corresponding nut cap 210, snugly fitting to the nut(e.g., via an interference fit), rotates with the nut and causes nutrotation indicator 250 to rotate along an indicator pathway 276 (e.g.,towards an alert hole, etc.). The result of the rotation can then beclearly seen through an alert hole 230 as the nut rotation indicator 250moves along an inside surface of the base or fixing plate molded intothe base. At the edge of the base is a retention wall 297, part of thedesign of the overall apparatus, which prevents the nut rotationindicator 250 from rotating any further, and extends at the inside ofthe base to help define one or more recessed portions of an insidesurface of the base. The arm will, in some embodiments, not move furtherthan the retention wall. As the arm is coupled with the nut, furtherrotation or de-torqueing of the nut is consequently arrested, yet anindication of a loosening of the nut is viewable via exposure of one ormore indicators through corresponding alert holes. Device 220 furthercomprises a contact region 274, which could comprise one or more wires,etc. that, upon contact with a conductive portion (e.g., tip, etc.) ofindicator 250, sends a signal to an electronic sensor 270, disposedalong a recess/indicator pathway of the base. The electronic sensorcould be powered by a power source 272, which can comprise a coin orbutton cell, a photovoltaic cell, a battery, or any other suitable powersource.

As mentioned above, the nut caps (e.g. 210) can comprise internaltapered splines and a void, which allows for a universal fit to nuts ofvarious shapes or lengths, and a vacuum fit. Once fitted to the nut, thematerial composing the nut cap attempts to return to its original moldedshape, thus creating a firm grip on the nut (e.g., an interference fit,partial or nearly full vacuum seal, etc.). When one side of the nut capis pulled, the other side pushes in so that the only way to release theinterference fit or vacuum seal is to squeeze or rotate the nut cap witha hand or tool (e.g., pliers or wrench that is specifically designed tofit a first and second surface of a nut cap). This tool can be used tobreak a possible partial or complete vacuum that might form between thenut and the nut cap.

It is contemplated that some devices can be completely protected againsttampering by permanently locking onto a nut or other portion of anobject. For example, a molding material such as pitch, silicon, resin,epoxy, or other molding material can be inserted into the nut cap. Suchfeatures are considered to increase the security of the fit while alsoallowing the user to remove the device when desired.

Some or all of the nut caps can be coupled with the base and rotatetherein within restrictions. Moreover, each nut cap can be press fit orsnap fit to a base via a thin flange on the nut cap above the base, anda larger flange with nut rotation indicator below the base. Contemplatednut caps can have a smooth outer surface to protect road users fromrough edges, such as those on wheel nuts and studs. The indicators cancomprise a fluorescent portion, metallic portion, white portion, shinyportion, matte portion, or any other portion that easily stands out fromthe base to alert an observer.

A ring shaped device having a retention wall 297 and second wall 298 canalso comprise an empty center region 299 that accepts a protrusion of anobject, such as a hub. Such configurations are considered applicable tovehicles (e.g., trucks, etc.) having protruding hubs, wind turbineshaving central hubs, or any other object having a protrusion. If such adevice also comprises a nut rotation indicator, it can be restrictedfrom rotating to an inner center region 299 (e.g., restricted to anouter portion of the device, or between the first and second walls).

In FIG. 2B, a bottom view of a portion of device 200 is shown tohighlight retention wall 297 and second wall 298, as well as the nut cap210 and indicator 250 integral with the nut cap. FIG. 2C is a bottomview of a different portion of device 200, having a flange 231 and firststop 235 near a mid-line of the base. It is contemplated that flange 231and stop 235 can be located on any portion of the device, and beconfigured to restrict the rotation of a nut cap or shorten the distancean indicator can move (e.g., from a mid-portion starting point to awall, rather than from a first wall to a second wall). This restrictioncan occur before an indicator reaches an alert hole, at the same timethe indicator reaches the alert hole, or in the event the retention wallfails to block rotation of a nut. Moreover, an indicator integral to anut cap can be used to block a rotation of a nut cap, while anon-integral indicator (i.e., where the indicator and nut cap do notcompose a single work piece) further rotates.

A device can have 0, 1, 2 or even more retention walls or rotation stopsfor each nut cap. Thus, a device can lack retention walls and stopsaltogether, comprise a retention wall but lack a stop, comprise a stopbut lack a retention wall, or any other suitable configuration.

As used herein, a “stop” or “rotation stop” is used broadly to includeany piece of material of any suitable size and shape that is configuredto block a rotation of a nut cap, either directly or indirectly.

In devices having a stop but lacking a retention wall, a rotationindicator can be configured to start in a hidden position when acorresponding nut is tight, and move to an exposed position beyond anouter or inner edge (e.g., first edge 241, second edge 242, etc.) of thedevice when a corresponding nut is loose. A stop can also act to block arotation indicator from rotating back towards the base, once exposed.For example, a device can have an indicator configured to begin at ahidden position (e.g., under a base portion), and rotate to an exposedposition (e.g., beyond a diameter of the base, etc.), thereby changingthe overall perimeter shape of the device. The stop could then act toblock an indicator from moving towards a second hidden positionapproximately 120-180 degrees away from the original hidden position. Astop could also act as a ratchet, preventing an indicator from rotatingback to the original hidden position. These and some other embodimentswould not require an alert hole, and could be beneficial in industries,such as the mining or agricultural industries, where darkness or dirtmight obfuscate the appearance of a retention arm through an alert hole.

Consider the following mining use case. A device configured for use on amining device, such as a backhoe loader or a hydraulic excavator, couldquickly become covered in dirt during use. Once covered, a rotationindicator may not be visible through an alert hole. However, a rotationindicator that rotated beyond an edge of the device can change theoverall shape of the perimeter of the device and render the rotationapparent to an inspector. If the device further comprises a rotationstop, a nut corresponding to the rotation indicator could be restrictedfrom further rotation towards the base (e.g., within the edges of thebase).

Alternatively or additionally, a retention wall could be slideablycoupled to the device such that a nut rotation indicator would push theretention wall outwards when a corresponding nut loosens. It iscontemplated that the retention wall could be configured to slideoutwardly by at least 1 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or even 50 mm away from theedge of the device, thereby changing the overall shape of the device. Itis further contemplated that there can be a distinct retention wallslideably coupled to each nut rotation indicator. In these instances,only the retention wall corresponding with the single nut rotationindicator would move outwardly, thereby changing the overall shape ofthe device and retention rim from a circle to a circle with a protrudingwall. Such embodiments would also be beneficial for objects used inextreme conditions.

In some preferred embodiments, the base, retention wall, or otherportion of the device can be configured to substantially seal against anut supporting surface of an object (e.g., a car, a wheel rim, amachine, etc.) coupled with a safety device. Such embodiments can keepthe nut supporting surface or other portions of the object substantiallyfree from water, dust, and other undesirable elements. A component ofthe device (e.g., a retention wall, second wall, etc.) can be sized anddimensioned to allow a flush fit with a nut supporting surface of anobject that it couples with. This can protect the nut supporting surfaceagainst contamination or corrosion from the environment.

FIG. 3 shows a device 300 comprising a single nut cap 310, which couldbe coupled to a table, machine, wheel rim, or other object. Nut cap 310could also be viewed as a single stand-alone nut cap having a rotationindicator.

Some contemplated devices can comprise additional rotation indicators oran electronic component, such as an electronic wheel sensor orelectronic nut rotation sensor that allows an operator to obtain analarm, signal, display, or other notification of a rotational orenvironmental state of the nut or wheel to which it is coupled. Forexample, an electronic nut rotation indicator can be configured toprovide digital rotation data of a nut, including for example, an angleof rotation, a torque, a torsion, a rate of rotation, a trend ofrotation, historical rotation data, or other digital rotation data. Suchdata is considered advantageous on numerous fronts. In embodiments wherea device such as device is deployed on a wheel of a vehicle, the vehicleowner can obtain, or otherwise view, the data to determine rotationalstate or environmental state of the nuts. Further, safety professionalscan obtain to the data can track historical information or trends in thenut data for analysis. Still further, nut manufacturers can obtain thedata to determine performance data associated with their products. Adevice of the inventive subject matter could include one or more (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) electronic sensors on any suitableportion thereof, including for example, an outer surface of a base, aninside surface of a base, a recess of a base, an indicator pathway of abase, within a nut cap, on a retaining wall, or any other suitablelocation.

A nut cap (or any other portion of the device e.g., base, recess of abase, indicator pathway, etc.) can further comprise an electronic sensor(e.g., FIG. 1, item 140) configured to acquire and store digital data ofa corresponding nut or wheel. It is contemplated that digital nut datacould comprise rotational data as described above, or non-rotationalenvironmental data, including for example, a force, a sheer, a stress, astrain, a tightness, a log of data, a compression, a tension, atemperature, a number of rotations, an imbalance, a wobble, a density, avibration, or other environmental data related to the nut or object towhich it is attached (e.g., a wheel, etc.). One should appreciate thatthe environment data can cover a broad spectrum of information about thenut. All possible data related to a nut is contemplated.

Digital sensor data can be presented using any suitable modality,including for example, visual or audible. This data can be communicatedto a person of interest through a screen or speaker on the deviceitself, or at another location that is communicatively coupled to thedevice. For example, an operator or technician responsible for the nutcan receive the digital nut data on a screen or speaker coupled to adashboard or other interior portion of a vehicle, a cellular phone, acomputer, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a watch, orany other suitable object worn by the operator. As used herein, the term“communicatively coupled” includes both wired and wireless communicationcoupling. Examples of wireless coupling include coupling via near fieldcommunications, cellular networks, WiFi networks, remote controls, RFID,wireless USB, dedicated short range communications, IrDA, or any othersuitable wireless communication channels. One should appreciate sensor140 can include a passive sensor or an active sensor. A passive sensorprovides sensor data in response to a query (e.g., RFID, etc.).

In some embodiments, an electronic sensor comprises an active sensorthat can be coupled to a power source or power converter, including forexample, a photovoltaic cell, a battery, a thermocouple, or other powersource or converter. In such embodiments, the active sensor isconfigured to provide nut or wheel data under its own accord. It iscontemplated that the power source or power converter can, similarly toone or more electronic sensors, be attached to any suitable part of thedevice, or an object coupled to the device, including for example, a nutcap, a base, the brakes of a car to which the device is coupled, or anyother part of the device or object.

It is further contemplated that an electronic nut sensor can comprise awireless interface, including for example, a Bluetooth®, Zigbee®,802.11, WUSB, WiFi, or other wireless interface.

Examples of electronic sensors include, but are not limited to: (1)active sensors, for example powered, broadcasting, some RFID-based, orother types of active sensors; or (2) passive sensors such as otherRFID-based, strain gauges, or other types of passive sensors. AnRFID-based sensor can either be active, i.e. powered by a battery orother power source, or passive, i.e. powered by the electromagneticfields used to read them. Contemplated sensors include for example,temperature sensors, rotation counters, balance monitors,accelerometers, vibration monitors, strain or stress gauges, compressionor tension gauges, torque sensors, torsion sensors, RFID tags, videocameras, tachometers, or other sensors. Further, contemplated devicescan include additional elements such as electronic circuits capable ofcontrolling electronic aspects of the device including sensor dataacquisition, LED displays, speakers, or other types of devices.

It is contemplated that an electronic sensor could also serve as a nutrotation indictor. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of the nutrotation indicator(s) could be distinct from the electronic sensor(s).An example of a nut rotation indicator that is distinct from anelectronic sensor includes a tab coupled to a nut cap that rotates withthe nut cap upon rotation of the nut.

FIG. 4A is an example of a nut cap 411 comprising tapered splines 402and a combined electronic sensor/nut rotation indicator 441 coupled to anut 481 through wires 401, as well as a display screen 471. The displayscreen 471 is configured to present digital nut data 493 (e.g.temperature) of the corresponding nut 481, as well as an indication of arotation of the corresponding nut 481, for example, the percent oforiginal tightness remaining, wherein 100% is equivalent to no rotationand 0% is equivalent to a 360 degree rotation.

It is contemplated that a nut cap can be configured to only partiallycover a corresponding nut. However, preferred embodiments include one ormore nut caps that are configured to completely cover a correspondingnut thereby keeping the nut substantially free of dust and otherunwanted debris.

While this and some other examples herein are directed towards a nut capcomprising an electronic sensor, it is contemplated that the electronicsensor could be disposed on a base of the device and coupled to acontact region placed to come into contact with a rotating indicatorupon a loosening of a nut. Such a sensor could obtain data indicatingthe loosening of the nut and provide an alert (e.g., via a display onthe safety device or a distal computing device, etc.). It is alsocontemplated that an electronic sensor could be disposed in or on a nutcap of the inventive subject matter and configured to obtain sensor datarelevant to a wheel that it is coupled to.

FIG. 4B is an alternative example of a nut cap 410 comprising anelectronic sensor 440 and a distinct nut rotation indicator 498, eachdirectly coupled to a nut 480. Digital nut or other data 490 isdisplayed on screen 470, and an indication related to a nut or wheel 492(e.g., digital rotation data), such as a degree of rotation from astarting point, is displayed on screen 491.

It is contemplated that the digital sensor data 490 or indication of arotation of a nut could comprise real-time data that is streamed to thedisplay screen 470 or to a communicatively coupled display screen. Suchcommunicatively coupled display screen 470 can be on a dashboard orother interior portion of a vehicle, on a cellular phone, a computer, apersonal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a watch, or any othersuitable display (e.g., in a control center associated with a company orcompanies, etc.). The coupling could be wire-based or comprise awireless channel of communication, including for example, near fieldcommunications, cellular networks, WiFi networks, remote controls, RFID,wireless USB, dedicated short range communications, or any othersuitable communication channels.

FIG. 5 shows nut cap 510, which can be coupled with a base, or be asingle stand-alone nut cap. The nut cap 510 comprises two separate nutrotation indicators. The first indicator is a tab 595 coupled to nut cap510 and configured to rotate with nut cap 510 so that a viewer could seehow far a nut has rotated with respect to its starting point. The secondindicator (not shown) could be the same as, or distinct from, anelectronic sensor (not shown). Nut cap 510 further comprisesactuators/switches 594 and 596 coupled to display screens 570 and 591respectively. Display screen 570 displays a digital nut data 590 of acorresponding nut 580 when actuator/switch 594 is turned on.

Nut caps can comprise any suitable size and shape. For example, a nutcan be a tapered cylindrical shape having a first diameter ofapproximately 1.2-1.5 inches, a second diameter of approximately 0.75-1inch, and a length of 1.6-2 inches, a cylindrical shape having adiameter of 1.25 inches and a length of 1.2 inches, or any othersuitable shape and size.

FIG. 6 illustrates a device 600 comprising a display screen 670, such asan LED screen, showing real-time digital nut data (e.g. 690). Displayscreen 670 is configured to display digital nut data of correspondingnuts (not shown, covered by nut cap 610, 611, 620 and 621) in real-time.Digital nut data 690 on the lower right hand portion of the displayscreen 670 corresponds to the nut covered by nut cap 621 and is in theprocess of changing from 78 degrees to 79 degrees. Each of the nut caps610, 611, 620 and 621 is coupled to a nut rotation indicator 650, 651,652 and 653 respectively, which can move into an exposed positionthrough corresponding alert holes 630, 631, 632, and 633.

Contemplated indicators can comprise different colors, images, orletters that appear through the alert hole when different levels ofrotations occur. Thus, a device can indicate not only a rotation, but anamount of rotation relative to a starting point.

Additionally or alternatively, a device of the inventive subject mattercould include one or more lights (e.g., LED lights, etc.) that could actas an indicator, or be used as a decorative element, for example, as anadvertisement for a company who owns or operates a truck using thesafety apparatuses.

FIG. 7 illustrates a device comprising three nut caps 710, 711 and 720,and display screens 770 and 793, such as LED screens, showing bothindividual nut data 790 and aggregate nut data 799. It is contemplatedthat the nut data (790 or 799) could be secured through an authorizationor authentication mechanism. Such mechanism could restrict the access tonut data (790 or 799), or restrict whom deletions or other modificationsto the nut data could be made by. Thus, it is possible that access tothe nut data could be restricted to an operator, owner, inspector andinsurance adjuster, while those who can make modifications to the nutdata could be limited to an inspector and insurance adjuster.Contemplated authorization methods include the requiring of a pin code,password, or any other predetermined set of numbers, letter or words.Contemplated authentication methods include the use of fingerprintdetectors, iris detectors, voice recognition systems, or any othersuitable authentication methods. Here, nut cap 711 is coupled to acorresponding biometric sensor 794 (e.g. a fingerprint detector) anddisplay screens 770 and 793. Display screen 770 shows a digital nut data790 of corresponding nut (not shown), while a second display screen 793shows an aggregate data 799 of two or more nuts (e.g. under nut caps 710and 711) coupled to the device (e.g. a warning sign when at least one ofthe nuts are within 5 degrees of a predetermined maximum allowabletemperature). As noted above, the data displayed by the screens couldadditionally or alternatively comprise data associated with an object towhich the device is attached (e.g., a wheel, etc.) and could compriseindividual object data, or aggregate object data.

FIG. 8 is an example of a device comprising a single display screen 870,wherein the digital nut data 890 is configured to appear upon actuationof switch 894, and an indication of a rotation of a nut 892 isconfigured to appear upon actuation of switch 896. It is furthercontemplated that a screen could be coupled to three or more switches oractuators and configured to display three or more pieces of information(e.g. a digital nut data 890, a rotation of a nut 892, an aggregate dataof two of the nuts (not shown), and an aggregate data of all of the nuts(not shown)).

FIG. 9 illustrates a device comprising two base portions slideablyattached to one another. Each base comprises an alert hole 930 or 931,and is coupled to a nut cap (910 or 920) and nut rotation indicator 950or 951. Such a configuration could allow a user to use a single deviceon multiple objects where the individual nuts of a device are positionedat different distances relative to one another.

It is contemplated that nut caps could comprise any suitable shape,including a cone, a cup, a cube, or a cylinder. The outside lining ofthe nut caps could be sized and configured to accept a wrench or othertool, such as a monkey wrench, open end wrench, box-end wrench,ratcheting box wrench, combination wrench, adjustable wrench, socketwrench, an Allen wrench, a Bristol wrench, an alligator wrench, a lugwrench, or a flare-nut wrench. An example of a nut cap sized andconfigured to accept a wrench is shown in FIG. 10. It is contemplatedthat the wrench accepting portion 1100 could be located at any portionalong the outer lining of the nut cap 1000. Such portion can allow auser to readily tighten a corresponding nut (e.g. covered by nut cap1000) without removing the safety device from the object to which it iscoupled. It is further contemplated that a single nut cap 1000 couldcomprise two or more wrench accepting portions, each configured toaccept a different wrench.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A safety apparatus comprising: a base having anoutside portion and an inside portion; a nut cap rotatably coupled withthe base and protruding from the top portion of the base; a nut rotationindicator coupled with the nut cap and configured to rotate with the nutcap, wherein the nut rotation indicator is positioned to juxtapose theinside portion of the base; at least one electronic sensor coupled withthe base and configured to obtain at least one of a nut data and a wheeldata.
 2. The safety apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises aretention wall sized and dimensioned to limit a rotation of the nutrotation indicator.
 3. The safety apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising a contact region coupled to the retention wall and configuredto contact the nut rotation indicator.
 4. The safety apparatus of claim1, wherein the at least one electronic sensor is disposed on anindicator pathway of the base.
 5. The safety apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one electronic sensor is configured to obtain thenut data, and wherein the nut data comprises a rotation.
 6. The safetyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic sensor isconfigured to obtain the wheel data, and wherein the wheel data isassociated with at least one of a wheel rotation, a wheel temperature, awash-boarding, an imbalance and a wobble.
 7. The safety apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one electronic sensor is at leastpartially covered by a rubber composite.
 8. The safety apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a power unit coupled with the at least oneelectronic sensor and disposed on the base.
 9. The safety apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one light configured to provide avisual alert when the contact region comes into contact with theindicator.
 10. The safety apparatus of claim 9, wherein the visual alertcomprises at least one of a turning on, a turning off, a change incolor, a change in brightness and a change in pattern in the at leastone light.
 11. The safety apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onesensor is configured to transmit sensor data to a display of a devicevia a sensor interface.
 12. The safety apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe device comprises at least one of a mobile phone, a computer and atablet.
 13. The safety apparatus of claim 11, wherein the device islocated in a control center associated with a company monitoring aplurality of safety apparatuses.
 14. The safety apparatus of claim 1,wherein the nut cap is press fit with the base and configured to freelyrotate with respect to the base.
 15. The safety apparatus of claim 1,wherein the nut cap comprises tapered internal splines.
 16. The safetyapparatus of claim 15, wherein the nut cap is configured to form apartial vacuum seal around the corresponding nut.
 17. The safetyapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a nut rotation indicatorcoupled with the nut cap and configured to rotate with the nut cap,wherein the nut rotation indicator is positioned to juxtapose the insideportion of the base, and wherein the base comprises an alert hole thatallows at least a portion of the nut rotation indicator to be viewedthrough the outside portion of the base.
 18. The safety apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base is a ring-shaped base.
 19. The safetyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to substantiallyseal against a nut supporting surface of an object to which theapparatus is coupled.